Doctoral graduates honoured at the University
Fifty-three candidates, who defended their theses at the University of Iceland from 1 December 2016 to 1 December 2017, received the University’s gold medal at the Ceremony for graduated Doctors. This is the seventh time a ceremony of this kind takes place at the University. The President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson addressed the candidates and guests.
Doctoral studies have been strengthened considerably in recent years, and the candidates' contribution to research and teaching has played an important part in the University's success. Their contribution in collaboration with their supervisors is important on a global scale and strengthens the University as an international research institute. This is reflected by the number of publications in world renowned scientific journals and in the University’s place on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and ShanghaiRanking; the University of Iceland made the latter one for the first time this autumn.
Doctoral research not only creates new knowledge in numerous fields but also lead to new growth companies that enrich Icelandic industry. A dynamic research university is essential for Iceland to be competitive in science, innovation and economic development internationally; as basic research is the main basis for advancement, economic growth and prosperity.
Strengthening doctoral studies has been an integral part of the University of Iceland's policy for over a decade. Just as the former policy the new one for 2016-2021 places great emphasis on doctoral studies; stipulating increased grants and various other support for them. There are currently around 600 doctoral students enrolled at the University of Iceland. A total of 60 doctoral defences are scheduled for the whole year of 2017 making the number of doctorates who have graduated from the University's foundation almost 600. Strengthening the doctoral studies in turns strengthens the University's standing as a recognised international research university with strong ties to Icelandic community.
The doctoral graduates that received their gold medal have graduated from all of the University’s five schools; 14 men and 39 women; five of whom completed a joint degree from the University of Iceland and an international university. The group was quite international as over one fourth of the candidates that graduated between 1 December 2016 and 1 December 2017 has a foreign nationality. They come from all over the World; Europe, North America, Asia and Africa.
By tradition the president of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson addressed the doctoral graduates, both congratulating and encouraging the doctoral graduates. Furthermore, one of the doctoral candidates, Eydís Einarsdóttir, doctor in pharmaceutical sciences, addressed the ceremony on behalf of the post docs.
The University is extremely proud of this group of doctoral graduates and sincerely congratulates them on their PhD degrees and wishes them well in the in all their future endeavours.
